From left: Belgium's defender Toby Alderweireld, Russia's midfielder Aleksandr Golovin and Belgium's defender Timoty Castagne vie for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group B football match between Belgium and Russia at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on June 12, 2021. (ANATOLY MALTSEV / POOL / AFP)

BERLIN - Belgium secured the first spot in Group B after Romelu Lukaku provided a brace in Belgium's 3-0 victory over uninspired Russia at their opening game in Saint Petersburg on Saturday.

The "Red Devils" ensured a perfect start into their Euro 2020 campaign after a double strike from Lukaku and a goal from substitute Thomas Meunier eased past Russia 3-0 on home soil.

Belgium, who lead the FIFA World Rankings, took the reins from the starting whistle without forcing things while Russia tried to hold the pace in the opening stages.

It took Belgium only ten minutes to open the scoring with great assistance of Russia's Andrei Semyonov, who cleared Dries Merten's square pass, into the path of Lukaku who showed no mercy and beat Anton Shunin from inside the box.

Russia responded well and showed intent to hit back but for all that Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois defused two headers on target from Mario Fernandes in the 14th minute.

It took Belgium only ten minutes to open the scoring with great assistance of Russia's Andrei Semyonov, who cleared Dries Merten's square pass, into the path of Romelu Lukaku who showed no mercy and beat Anton Shunin from inside the box

However, Belgium controlled possession and dictated the pace on the pitch as Leander Dendoncker pulled over the goal after the good build-up work from Lukaku in the 18th minute before Shunin had to be on guard to defuse Thorgan Hazard's effort from tight angle four minutes later.

Roberto Martinez' men eventually doubled their advantage and again by courtesy on a defensive error from Russia in the 34th minute as Shunin parried an effort into the way of Meunier, who poked home his joker goal seven minutes after his fielding.

ALSO READ: Italy put on a show with win over Turkey in Euro 2020 opener

Belgium remained in full control and should have made it three before the break, but Yannick Carrasco failed to finish the job from promising position after his solo run.

After the restart, Belgium ceased it offensive momentum and let Russia do the work. Stanislav Cherchesov's men grabbed a bright start into the second half but despite more possession they were unable to threaten Courtois.

Belgium was calming the game down and keeping Russia at bay but still the "Red Devils" weren't done with the scoring as Meunier's deep through ball allowed Lukaku to snatch his brace in the 88th minute.

"We played against Russia three times in a short period of time. Their coach used a back four in one of the games, and a back five in the other two, so we were prepared for both. It wasn't a surprise. We knew the patterns and real threats of the Russian team," Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez said.

"It's nice to start the tournament this way. Our first-half performance was great. We created chances but were a little sloppy in the second half. We made mistakes and we'll have to work on that if we want to go far in this tournament," Belgium's top striker Romelu Lukaku said.

READ MORE: Euro 2020 starts with fireworks and balloons after yearlong delay

With the win, Belgium take the lead in Group B followed by Finland, Denmark and Russia. The Russians clash with Finland on June 16 before Belgium encounter Denmark one day later.